Women underrepresented in top CCSD positions

Gender could play role in search for chief

A former superintendent. A graduate of the old Las Vegas High School. A future governor of Nevada.

The 11 superintendents who have run the Clark County School District over its 62-year history have brought varied qualifications and personalities to the district’s helm.

All had at least one thing in common, though: They were men.

Although women make up a majority of the district’s teachers and principals, that numerical edge thins to a minority when it comes to leadership positions like assistant or associate superintendent and department chief. And the district — among the largest in the nation — has never had a woman in its top role.

That could weigh on the minds of School Board members as they search for a new superintendent this spring, although board members say they’re looking for the best candidate rather than trying to check a diversity box.

“I think, ultimately, my decision wouldn’t necessarily come down to those demographics, but it would come down to who I feel is the best pick for the job,” said Trustee Lola Brooks.

Fewer women at top

The fact that a woman has never held the district’s top job is not unusual.

In the latest salary and benefits study from the national School Superintendents Association, 22.5

SCHOOLS

ment to become a state-certified law enforcement officer. He sued Clark County in July after county commissioners began discussing whether to declare his office vacant and appoint a replacement. The case is ongoing.

“It’s been shown that he does not meet the qualifications,” Sisolak said. “This has been going on for a long time, and resolution is long overdue.”

Attorney General Adam Laxalt, Treasurer Dan Schwartz and county commissioners Chris Giunchigliani and Sisolak have all said they will run for governor, but none of them filed Monday. A handful of lesser-known candidates did enter the fray: Democrat Henry Thorns, Republicans Stanleigh “Stan” Lusak and Jared Fisher, and Russell Best of the Independent American Party.

With an eye on the 2019 Legislature, Democrats brought forward a host of candidates — including several newcomers — as the party vies for a possible supermajority in the Assembly.

Familiar faces

Former Las Vegas police detective Gordon Martines filed to run for Clark County sheriff, setting up a fourth run for the county’s top cop job.

Martines, who was employed by the Metropolitan Police Department for more than two decades, ran unsuccessfully for sheriff in 2002, 2010 and 2014. He filed for candidacy in 2006 but later withdrew.

Former North Las Vegas police officer Tim Bedwell also filed for candidacy Monday. Incumbent Sheriff Joe Lombardo has said he will run for re-election but did not file Monday.

If all three candidates appear on the June primary ballot, the election could be won before November. Nonpartisan races in Clark County with three or more candidates can be won with more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary.

Surrounded by her husband and supporters, Rosen made official the move to leave the House to run for U.S. Senate. Incumbent Dean Heller, who’s widely considered the most endangered Republican in the Senate, is expected to see a primary challenge from Danny Tarkanian, although neither filed Monday.

Democrat Jesse Sbaih also filed for candidacy, setting up another primary with Rosen. Sbaih and Rosen squared off in 2016 in the 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary, with Rosen taking 62 percent of that vote.

Democrats mobilize

Assembly Democrats on Monday gathered outside the Clark County government building to announce that 19 incumbents will file for re-election, joined by six first-time candidates for seats in Clark County and Reno.

“This next cycle is going to be unpredictable,” said Assembly leader Jason Frierson, who also filed for re-election. “But we’ve learned both here and nationally we can’t take anything for granted, and we have to work hard for all of our seats.”

Among the new Democrats filing to run for Assembly: Nonprofit executive Michelle Gorelow, who was tapped to succeed Democrat Justin Watkins in Assembly District 35; former Department of Taxation Director Deonne Contine, who’s running to replace Democrat Amber Joiner in Assembly District 24; and English teacher Selena Torres, who’s running for the Assembly District 3 seat vacated by Nelson Araujo. He is running for secretary of state.

Gorelow will face off against Republican David Schoen, who also filed Monday.

“We’re going to be doing a lot of mailers, and I’ll still be knocking door to door and doing more community events to get in front of the voters,” Gorelow said.

In Assembly District 29, Republican Stephen Silberkraus filed to run against Democrat Lesley Cohen, who unseated him two years ago. In District 5, Assemblywoman Brittney Miller faces a challenge from Republican Mack Joseph Miller, who filed papers Monday.

Candidates can file to run until 5 p.m.march16.

Contact Ramona Giwargis at rgiwargis@reviewjournal. com or 702-380-4538. Follow @ Ramonagiwargis on Twitter. Contact Colton Lochhead at clochhead@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638. Follow @Coltonlochhead on Twitter.